As a citizen, and as president, I believe that Muslims have the same right to practice their religion as everyone else in this country," Obama told an intently listening crowd gathered at the White House Friday evening to observe the Islamic holy month of Ramadan."That includes the right to build a place of worship and a community center on private property in lower Manhattan, in accordance with local laws and ordinances," he said. "This is America, and our commitment to religious freedom must be unshakable."
The mosque is overwhelmingly, by 60% plus, not favored to be built at Ground Zero. It's especially opposed by most of the families of the victims of 9/11. High profile Republicans like Newt Gingrich and Sarah Palin oppose the mosque. The Anti Defamation League also opposes it issuing this statement.
We regard freedom of religion as a cornerstone of the American democracy, and that freedom must include the right of all Americans – Christian, Jewish, Muslim, and other faiths – to build community centers and houses of worship.
We categorically reject appeals to bigotry on the basis of religion, and condemn those whose opposition to this proposed Islamic Center is a manifestation of such bigotry.
However, there are understandably strong passions and keen sensitivities surrounding the World Trade Center site. We are ever mindful of the tragedy which befell our nation there, the pain we all still feel – and especially the anguish of the families and friends of those who were killed on September 11, 2001.
The controversy which has emerged regarding the building of an Islamic Center at this location is counterproductive to the healing process. Therefore, under these unique circumstances, we believe the City of New York would be better served if an alternative location could be found.
This continues a pattern by Obama of taking the overwhelming minority's side on the issue of the day.
3 comments:
We lost 3000 plus dead from 9/11 and an addl 3000 plus at least fom the war which followed the 9/11. Irrespective of the law it is a shame for all of us watching the stupidity.
Take away the Polygamy and marrying girl less than 18 yrs of age and that will eliminate anyone from conversion to Islam.{the least tolerant religion of 21st century}. Tolerance of religion is for people who are tolerant of other faiths not for the intolerants. It is a shame,we have invaded the only secular country between Israel and India leaving the Sharia law promoting countries and real culprits of 9/11 alone. Ever wonder who was providing financial support for the Mosque?
By no means am I an Islam apologist (actually, I'm a Christian Apologist)... the religion is simply not true and and thus has no true existential value. Not do dig too deep into the theology of it, the adherents believe a lie and spread this.
But we live in America. The country was constructed with a foundation of religious freedom and though it is not true and will not help them in any way, they still have a constitutional right to be able to worship in the manner they choose.
The fact of the matter is that these people are not the same people who flew those airplanes into the buildings, in the same way that, though I oppose abortion, I am not in any way associated with people who bomb abortion clinics.
No one is saying that don't have a right to do it, but is it the right thing to do?
My former hometown of Skokie, Il. recently built a Holocaust museum. Now, would someone have a right to build a German history museum next door? Yes, would it make it right? No.
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